Summer is here in full swing— you probably can’t wait to get an adrenaline rush at the basketball court or go hiking in the great outdoors. But a sports injury can not only be harrowing, but can also stop you from having the summer of your life. While you should visit a pain management clinic at the first signs of pain and injury, it’s best to avoid getting hurt in the first place. So we’ve prepared a list of the most common sports injuries and tips to protect yourself against them.
Ankle Sprains
What is it?
Sprains are injuries to your ligaments, the bands holding your bones together. When you stretch these bands beyond their limit, it can tear them. While the intensity of these injuries can vary, they often cause pain, inflammation, and swelling.
How to Prevent It
- Warm up for 10-15 minutes before getting started
- Exercise regularly to prepare your body for the activity
- Wear the right shoes that are specially designed for athletes. Your choice shouldn’t just be based on the shoes that look the best.
Groin Pull
What is it?
Muscle overuse and stretching can cause injury to the muscles in your hip or inner thighs. This is also known as a groin pull. You can find it very hard to stand up straight with a severe groin pull, and there’s sometimes a visible “dent” in the muscle.
How to Prevent It
- Always warm up before getting in the field
- Strengthen your inner-thigh muscles by lifting weights
- Regularly visit a good physiotherapy clinic for manual therapy and massages.
- Avoid training more than your body can handle, and make sure to rest properly
Knee Injuries
What is it?
A knee injury can take the form of Patellofemoral syndrome (damage to the tissue under the kneecap) or ACL tears.
How to Prevent It
- Weight training helps strengthen your muscles to withstand any injuries
- Wear protection— knee guards can be helpful
- Maintain a good weight — being overweight can put excess strain on your knee and increase your chances of getting an injury
If you’re tired of dealing with pain, at Divergent Innovative Health Care, we have one of the most professional teams of multi-disciplinary experts dedicated to giving you a pain-free and happy life. To receive the best pain management experience in Calgary, make an appointment with us online or call us now at (587) 324-4196.